At the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner a week ago, the country’s first African-American president said he had “a lot in common” with Boehner who is Caucasian. “He is a person of color,” Obama joked before a massive ballroom of celebrities and Washington journalists. “Although not a color that appears in the natural world,” Obama added, barely able to keep his composure as he delivered the dig.

“As I tell my friends, you only tease the ones you love,” Boehner said responding to Obama Sunday on CNN’s State of the Union.

soundoff(304 Responses)

Lori

No, I think most Americans prefer Boehner be ignored.

May 17, 2009 07:31 pm at 7:31 pm |

MaryanneAZ

It could be that Boehner suffers from Addison's disease or some other condition that results in a permanent tan not explained by outdoor activity. Since the event was a roast of sorts, the jokes should all be taken with good humor.

May 17, 2009 07:32 pm at 7:32 pm |

Mack

Boehner looks like someone from the 80's–stuck in a time warp. I don't like to listen to him cause he can't speak well.

May 17, 2009 07:35 pm at 7:35 pm |

Cheryl F

It's a fake tan, just like everything else about him.

May 17, 2009 07:40 pm at 7:40 pm |

texasgreenacres

well when I was just about ready to throw in the towel on you .you make me change my mind. you do have a sense of humor. I really liked your response better to be heckled than ignored.

May 17, 2009 07:40 pm at 7:40 pm |

Sean

For all those who say that the GOP is class-less, take note of Boehner's response. that was pure class. Everyone who cracked jokes at his name should learn from him too.

May 17, 2009 07:44 pm at 7:44 pm |

Dave

Come on CNN, you can't properly label this a "racial joke." That's just giving repuglicans fuel for the fire.

May 17, 2009 07:46 pm at 7:46 pm |

Someone With Sense

These comments are hilarious!!!! People see Michael Jackson and says he looks white...is that racist? No, not if it's true. Is it not true that this man has color to his skin complexion? SMH.... every little thing huh!

May 17, 2009 07:49 pm at 7:49 pm |

George Carlins got to be laughing

Whats the matter John,your diaper on too tight?

May 17, 2009 07:49 pm at 7:49 pm |

mayday

we obviously have the most arrogant president in the history of the United States!

Obama is a person of Tasteless and Insensitive Humor. He should stick to telling Catholics how much they need to be "understanding" in the abortion debate – i.e. accept the Obama baby killing doctrine and keep their mouths shut.

May 17, 2009 07:59 pm at 7:59 pm |

vinnie

boehner could have been a jerk and derided obama for the joke. glad to see he took it in the spirit in which it was delivered. class act...i'm normally not a fan of the guy, but i'm giving the guy credit.

May 17, 2009 08:00 pm at 8:00 pm |

republicguard

So if Boehner had said Mulatto wasn't a natural color found in nature Obama would have been amused?

May 17, 2009 08:01 pm at 8:01 pm |

Sherry

So true......so many of you out there that are prejudiced , yet try to get real dark in the summer.

May 17, 2009 08:01 pm at 8:01 pm |

Terry

I voted for Obama because he is white, myself. It is about time for white men to be able to relax a little about the concept of race.

May 17, 2009 08:02 pm at 8:02 pm |

Dan

Mary.....
Your post caught my eye. A devout Catholic...pro-choice. That is inconsistent...you can be pro-choice....but you can't call yourself a "devout" Catholic. You may consider these things "labels" but members of the Church consider it an article of faith. Instead of calling yourself devout why don't you use the term "cafeteria" Catholic that would be more appropriate.

May 17, 2009 08:04 pm at 8:04 pm |

jsb

That particular shade would be Sunset over Venus # 2, or cheap tanning bed on the high setting for 20 minutes too long.

May 17, 2009 08:05 pm at 8:05 pm |

PJ

Boehmer is "Oil Can Harry". The man has no integrity, has never known integrity and will never know integrity. He is a perfect republican bonehead. He even looks fake with his fake tan and oily look. A true snake in the grass. So Obama, a half white/black president makes a joke...Big deal. Grow up. Same like Gingrich, sour angry, white old men.

May 17, 2009 08:11 pm at 8:11 pm |

Nat Turner

LOL! This clown must sleep in a tanning bed! Only proves he knows that black is indeed beautiful.

May 17, 2009 08:16 pm at 8:16 pm |

barking republican ankle biters

His poor mother must of had second thoughts after this clowns birth.

May 17, 2009 08:18 pm at 8:18 pm |

Jessie

Boehner should chill. My god these politicians are nothing but a bunch of babies. If they knew how to do their jobs, we wouldn't be in the predicament were in. And I am blaming both parties.

May 17, 2009 08:19 pm at 8:19 pm |

Jeff

Boehner is going to end up looking like heavily weathered luggage... or chocked full of skin cancer, not very smart...

May 17, 2009 08:19 pm at 8:19 pm |

Thin skinned Repubs

What was Obama's response to Prime Minister Berlosconi's two jokes about the President being "well-tanned"?

Nothing.

Boehner and the rest of the "everything is reverse racism unless we tell a politically incorrect joke then it's ok" crew should take a lesson from our President, Mr. Obama.